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| A dapper Depp photo from StarPulse.com |
In astrology, the sun, the moon, the planets, and the rising sign all contribute to the overall personality of the person for whom a chart is cast. While the sun sign gives an overall basic idea of how an individual presents him- or herself to the world, the combination of all celestial bodies placed within the screen of the rising sign, give a more accurate look into the life of an individual.
My astrology program comes with a "Child Interpretation" portion that looks at the individual's potential at the time of his or her birth. Here is Johnny Depp's potential, determined by the energy emanating from the planets in their position and their relationship to each other at the time Johnny Depp was born:
Though we may never know for sure if any of these qualities accurately describe Johnny Depp today, we can understand what astrology says was his potential.
Johnny's sun sign is Gemini, an air sign, but Johnny’s chart shows an outstanding emphasis on Earth signs. Johnny is introspective and cautious about new circumstances or situations. As a child and possibly as an adult, hugs reassure him and provide him with an added sense of security. Nurturing touch is necessary for all children, but because of Johnny's Earth signs, Johnny will likely spend time exploring textures. When shopping, for instance, Johnny's parent will find him "feeling his way" as he walks through stores.
A Gemini Sun child requires change and an intellectually stimulating environment. He will probably talk early, even if the "talk" is unintelligible – he will still need to express himself verbally. Other children will find him fun and interesting, probably also due to his great sense of humor.
Nature stimulates him and also calms and focuses him. Because he lacks Water signs, Johnny might have difficulty understanding and accepting the emotional needs of others and himself. However, if he learns to accept and express his feelings through creative and artistic endeavors, especially music, he will be able to get in touch with his emotions. Over time, if taught properly how to handle his feelings, Johnny can learn to trust and value his intuition.
With a strong emphasis on Fixed signs in Johnny's chart, Johnny is stable, stubborn, consistent, and patient, but also inflexible, resistant, and obsessive. Finishing things is important to Johnny and he will become upset if he is unable to complete a task.
The Moon relates to feelings and emotion and shows how Johnny's emotional needs are met. Johnny's moon in Capricorn in his 6th house, which makes Johnny reliable. His security depends upon consistency, and he works best within the confines of well-defined rules. If the rules are inconsistent, however, Johnny will adjust them to fit his needs. The Moon is the nurturing mother that provides nurturing, comfort, and security. Early conditioning by his own mother becomes his unconscious way of nurturing others. Capricorn has a stabilizing effect though, so Johnny will prefer to feel in control of his emotions. Though he may be highly sensitive emotionally, he will be uncomfortable showing it.
Johnny needs to feel responsible and respected, and he enjoys the company of mature individuals. He may show a wry sense of humor, even in childhood. Johnny has a tremendous need for structure and will appreciate a carefully scheduled lifestyle. Irresponsible adults will undermine Johnny’s sense of security. He needs consistent and positive behavioral reinforcement.
Johnny is probably very picky about his diet and his environment. Johnny feels he must be in control of his body. Even as a baby, Johnny probably complained about discomfort, but once adjustments were made, he became quiet and soothed. Pets may have been especially important to him.
Johnny's rising sign is Leo, the actor of the zodiac, the "pay attention to me" sign. Dramatic and filled with pride describe Johnny in his early years. He loves to show off and shine, and may often find himself (and enjoy) being the center of attention. He is warm, entertaining, and fun.
Johnny's Mercury in Taurus, which makes him a cautious communicator, meaning he generally will not speak until he has all of the facts. Mercury is the planet of communication and Taurus is the cautious, take-your-time sign. Taurus is also an Earth sign, meaning that tasting, touching, hearing, smelling, and seeing define his method of learning. If what he learns doesn't hold a practical application, he may lose interest. Because Mercury sits in Johnny's 10th house, he wants to be recognized for his intellectual abilities. His strong opinions initially reflect those of his parents and close family members, but he will later form his own opinions, though early influences will likely play a crucial role in forming them.
Because of Johnny's Mercury and Venus connection, Johnny will be likely be drawn to artistic expression and probably enjoys listening to, writing, or reading poetry or prose. He may also be interested in drawing and literature, and he would excel in public speaking. He is a natural diplomat and is probably the family peacemaker.
Johnny doesn't like making mistakes and can feel particularly upset if he feels criticized (remember all of this information pertains to energies surrounding Johnny Depp as a child – free will and experience can change anything). Harsh criticism undermines his confidence and damages Johnny's self-esteem – supportive, constructive criticism, on the other hand builds his confidence. He requires honest praise.
Jupiter is the planet of growth, expansion, and some might say, luck. Johnny's Jupiter is in Aries. He requires independence while learning and an appreciation for challenging opportunities. A born leader, he desires to express his leadership abilities.
Mars in Virgo in his 1st house could indicate a child who is likely to take risks, and who is accident-prone. He may not sleep well if he doesn't get a lot of physical activity.
Jupiter in Aries squaring the Moon in Capricorn could express frustrations through a kind of ravenous appetite. In his early years, he will think that others lead better lives than he does, and he may hold unrealistic expectations of himself or others. Johnny's tender heart shows up with his Moon in sextile aspect to Neptune. His deep desire to develop creative and artistic sensibilities is highly important. Imagination and dreams can be especially real to Johnny as a child, and his intuition is probably quite powerful. This aspect shows that he probably also had (has) a profound emotional tie to his Mother, which today still resonates on a deeply spiritual level.
What you have read so far is a condensed version of the actual report. The rest of the report is quite lengthy and I am providing it verbatim. In any chart, while the meanings of the planets are clearly defined, and while the meanings of the houses are also clearly defined, the relational aspects between the planets blur the lines a little. Squares and oppositions present special challenges, as do quincunxes, while conjunctions and trines create more harmonious aspects.
Here is the rest of Johnny Depp's chart from the actual report (special thanks to Gloria Star from TimeCycles):
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Embracing Emotional Drives and Needs
Johnny may feel that he is constantly having to make adjustments in his needs in order to get even part of them fulfilled. The influence of the Moon is in quincunx to the Sun can instill a sense of emotional discontent, like never quite feeling "full". Satisfying both parents can be difficult, especially if they seem to have different approaches to dealing with Johnny. It’s easy for Johnny to feel caught between family struggles, imagining that ultimately his needs are less important than the needs or demands of others. It’s up to the parents to assure him that this is not true!
Self-confidence and optimism can be hallmarks of Johnny’s personality. The natural exuberance that flows from the Sun in a harmonious connection to Jupiter can be contagious. Johnny likes to feel important, and can positively glow in the face of accomplishment. He can feel that the parents expect a great deal, and can be eager to please. These expectations may integrated into Johnny’s life by helping him show appreciation for the good things in life, or saying "thank you" to others when indicated. Johnny may honestly desire to reach beyond his current situation or capacities. These planetary connections can indicate laziness, and unless there is a reason to excel, Johnny may try to get by with minimal effort.
With the Sun and Saturn in a trine aspect, Johnny may feel more safe and supported. Family structures tend to be sound and respect for social rules and mores will be easier to develop. Following the established order will always be more comfortable than changing the status quo, especially if others or an existing situation clearly provide real security. Taking risks may be difficult, and when confronted with new situations he may first resist as an automatic response. Conservative attitudes may almost always prevail unless other factors in the chart suggest otherwise. While this aspect can be and indicator of an ability to form a positive sense of self, it can reinforce a feeling that keeping things as they are is always the best choice.
Mercury is not traditionally considered an emotional expression. However, Mercury’s role in the expression of feelings is highly important. Mercury represents the function of articulation of ideas and feelings and influences how we communicate them. After all, most of us are more comfortable if we can talk about our emotional experiences to someone special. A child needs to feel that he can talk about anything with his parents, and that it is okay to share feelings and ideas. When a child is not given opportunities to communicate his emotional needs, he can develop problems communicating almost anything else! Mercury’s function in our lives is to link internal processes to the external world, and one of the most important inner links is the experience of sharing emotion.
Since Johnny has Mercury and Venus connected, he needs to communicate his sense of values and expressions of love in a clear way. At an early age, Johnny may enjoy listening to prose and poetry, and may be especially drawn to singing about feelings! He simply feels better when emotions can be expressed verbally or artistically.
Johnny takes communication seriously, since Mercury and Saturn are connected. However, the primary emotional implication from this connection is that Johnny may worry excessively. Help him appreciate the realism of situations, but also encourage him to rest and relax the mind. Teach positive thinking!
Self-esteem is another part of Johnny’s psychological make-up. Venus describes the needs for love and value systems, along with self-worth. Artistic expression can be part of this emotional outlet, and this is Venus in action. Selfish behavior can be Venusian, too, and most small children show Venus through their particular expression of selfishness and their ultimate struggle to allow Venus to evolve as they develop the capacity to learn to share. You’ll see Venus expressing in a more outgoing manner after about age four, when Johnny may finally want to give something to another person. But the full involvement of Venusian development is during the teen years, when "falling in love" becomes a reality. But, regardless of Johnny’s age, he needs to feel love from others to encourage growth on every level, including the growth of self-esteem.
Johnny has strong desire to experience the beautiful side of life. With Venus in Taurus, he may love singing, music, working with modeling clay, and can develop close attachments to people and situations. Getting into nature is rejuvenating. Encourage Johnny to grow something! Hugs and closeness mean a lot when it comes to expressing affection.
The tendency to feel inhibited about expressing love and affection can be an extension of Johnny’s Venus-Saturn connection. This can be an indicator of low self-esteem, since Johnny may feel that he must do certain things, or do things in a particular way, to be loved. These self-imposed restrictions on receiving love can be tremendously detrimental to the need to openly express tenderness. Johnny may associate fear with love: the fear that the love may not be there, or the fear that love will cause pain. Parents can help Johnny by becoming sensitive to the barriers he builds against intimacy. Developing a trust in his feelings can be frustrating. Once the sexual self begins to develop, it is important for Johnny to be able to cope with these feelings without fear and guilt.
Since Venus also deals with the concept of beauty, it’s possible that Johnny will be too focused on whether or not he is sufficiently attractive -- or pretty enough -- boy or girl! Whether fortunate or unfortunate, our society places a strong value on the way someone looks. Given the media exposure children receive today, they, too, are being bombarded by images which they will try to emulate. If Johnny receives messages from parents or teachers that there is a problem with his looks, then he will take it more seriously and worry about it. It is crucial for Johnny to understand the many layers of beauty and to be taught how to accept himself with love -- even with a few flaws that challenge the popular ideals.
The desire and ability to include a wide range of friends in Johnny’s life arises from a connection between Venus and Uranus. His show of love is definitely an expression of and need for unconditional acceptance. There can be a powerful urge for free emotional expression, since spontaneous emotion is a definite reality. Johnny may be the champion for the underdog. So, if you’re wondering why Johnny brings home the weirdest kids in the school -- it’s because he can relate to them!
Johnny may enjoy group associations, team activities, and things that include others. However, there is also a need to stand out in the crowd. Johnny may also be the one who begins a new fashion revolution or sets trends. The need is to be different, and to let others know that being different is fantastic!
Johnny’s Mars shows when he expresses anger and personal strength. As Johnny grows up, the way he shows personal assertiveness will be developed.
With Mars in Virgo, Johnny needs to keep those hands busy. As a baby Johnny may be fidgety and fussy if he is the least bit uncomfortable. Toddler years may find Johnny fascinated with dexterity building toys, puzzles, and gadgets. As he grows, developing skills which require dexterity and attention to detail can be extended into sports like gymnastics or dance or art and music (or all of the above). Do not expect that Johnny will be neat, since keeping all those tools and toys organized may not be as much fun as pulling them off the shelf and putting them to use. He can become excessively critical of self and others and needs to develop patience with the process of becoming skillful.
Quick responses and an excitable temperament are a strong part of Johnny’s personality profile. With a healthy contact between Mars and Uranus, Johnny needs ample opportunity to express himself freely, but could benefit from the lessons of positive caution as well. In fact, teaching reasonable caution may be absolutely necessary! As an example, Johnny may be fascinated with high-risk activities such as skydiving or ski jumping, and should be encouraged to explore any risky activities only after adequate instruction and when maturity allows. Anger may be expressed immediately, since this combination tends to stimulate sudden, focused expression of anger. There can also be a positive ability to take the lead when courage and ground-breaking are necessary.
Johnny may not demonstrate the energy of Uranus until teenage years, since this quality is part of the expression of uniqueness, ingenuity, and rebellion. It’s usually outwardly expressed in teen years as part of a teen’s uprising against the status quo. Uranus spends about seven years in one sign, and is one of the planetary energies that identify qualities of a generation. Johnny was born when Uranus was in Virgo (1962-1969), and is part of a generation rebelling against the old way of doing things. With the Virgo credo, "there has to be a better way," this generation will be highly adept at creating and using innovative tools. However, there can also be a tendency to go too far with that fix-it attitude.
But the personal expression of Uranian energy is most likely to be seen in the arena of life most influenced by this planet. Uranus in the 1st House adds an unusual, and independent quality to Johnny’s personality. Johnny needs plenty of room to exercise his individuality, and should be given ample opportunities to interject his preferences for clothes and other "image" related items. During teen years, watch for surprise hair colors, at the least!
Another significant, but emotionally charged, generation-oriented quality is the energy of Pluto. Pluto represents the deepest reservoirs of emotional energy, and is not a quality openly expressed in childhood. However, when a personal planet or angular point in a chart is connected to Pluto, then this profound level of emotional and transformational energy is easier to see. Pluto also represents deep-seated anxieties or fears, which are, for lack of a better description, absorbed into the psyche.
For a child, it’s virtually impossible to direct an awareness of this energy, since the personal self must be well developed before knowledge of this esoteric plane of consciousness awakens. In fact, most adults have difficulty with this part of the self! Although the energy of Pluto may be felt during the childhood years, it is not usually a conscious expression at this time.
Pluto moves very slowly through the zodiac, and its sign tells more about the transformational influence Pluto will have on that particular generation than it will about the changes in the individual. Johnny was born at a time when Pluto was in Virgo (1957-1971), and is part of a generation saddled with the task of repairing the trauma created by previous generations. Whether trauma to the Earth or the individual, there is a strong drive to see the whole picture. Ranging from integrating holistic and alternative health techniques to simplifying lifestyles, this generation will also have to deal with the questions of genetic engineering.
As with the other transpersonal planets, the House position of Pluto is the area of life where you help Johnny get in touch with a need for healing and transformational change. Pluto in the 2nd House can suggest a fear of not being good enough or not having sufficient resources. Johnny needs additional reinforcement of his self-worth and may also need to understand how to handle time and things of material value. There is an innate sensibility about renewal, and this can be taught in simply ways -- like using old milk cartons for art projects. Later, he might enjoy being involved in making sure that the family recycling efforts are intact.
You’ve discovered that the Ascendant is like the window-dressing or mask of the personality, but connections from planets to the Ascendant can also alter how Johnny expresses his emotional self.
With the Sun in a supportive contact with the Ascendant, Johnny may have a "sunny" disposition! There’s a tendency to be highly noticeable, and he may like to shine above the crowd.
Jupiter in a supportive aspect to the Ascendant adds a sense of confidence, optimism and enthusiasm. However, it can also exaggerate the personality. Sometimes overindulgence and laziness is noticeable.
The extra sensitive quality of Johnny’s personality may be amplified because Neptune makes a dynamic aspect to the Ascendant. Sometimes, Johnny may feel invisible, and it can be difficult to make his needs known. Positive outlets for this energy dynamic can be acting, music or the arts.
Sometimes, planets appear to move backward in their orbital path from our viewpoint here on Earth. When that happens, we say a planet is retrograde.
Trusting inner security is a primary lesson for any child born with Saturn retrograde. Johnny may also innately mistrust authority. Saturn provides structure, direction and discipline, and teaches us about our priorities. Having this planet in retrograde sometimes makes it difficult to learn these lessons at first. Saturn retrograde may indicate problems relating to the parent who provides this structure in the early years. If this parent is inaccessible to Johnny, either because he or she is absent, constantly working, or emotionally distant. Johnny must learn to go within and achieve his own sense of structure, direction and personal discipline.
Questions about safety can be paramount. Affirmations which confer a sense of confidence, achievement and personal strength can be powerful tools. Johnny can be remarkably self-disciplined and focused once this sense of self-doubt is overcome. Pianist Van Cliburn, actor Sean Connery, dancer/actress Leslie Caron and singer Dionne Warwick were all born with Saturn retrograde.
Neptune’s energy draws us into the inner self where we dream, visualize, imagine and escape. Since Johnny has Neptune retrograde, this introspective energy is more deeply sensitized. There can be an intensified desire to escape the ordinary world and its pressures. It’s absolutely necessary that Johnny learns positive uses of creative imagination. Plus, he can struggle to distinguish the difference between physical plane reality (what we usually think of as "real") and the world of imagination or illusion. Imagination should certainly be encouraged, but in ways that are constructive to Johnny’s growth. Neptune’s house placement will indicate the area in which Johnny needs a creative escape and how he can be effective in using his imagination. Farrah Fawcett, Yoko Ono, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were all born with Neptune retrograde at birth.
Fostering Creativity and Spirituality
Children seem to be inherently connected to spiritual awareness and expression. Their joy in the daily discoveries of life can be infectious, and a child’s sense of wonder brings light into life. To help a child find Truth and embrace a sense of The Divine, very little encouragement is needed. But it is necessary to support this natural connection, and can make all the difference in Johnny’s ability to trust himself.
One of the most significant ways to help Johnny awaken and touch Spirit is to foster his creativity. It’s not necessary for every child to be a consummate artist, but each child needs room to experiment with the creative self. There are several factors in the astrological chart that support the development and expression of personal creativity.
Beyond education and development of the intellect in a more formal sense, Mercury plays an important role in self-expression. After all, this is the energy of linking ideas and concepts from the inner self to the outside world -- and back again! One of the creative influences of Mercury in Taurus can be developed in the early years by encouraging artistic play with clay. Johnny may have very expressive hands, and will enjoy the feeling of earthy materials as part of the creative process. Johnny may also like using the hands to make music, but sometimes this also indicates a very pleasant singing voice.
Venus, the expression of artistry, is, of course, an important part of creativity. This is the energy through which Johnny experiences and expresses feelings. In many respects, while the Moon represents "feeling," Venus represents "emotion" -- which is the voice of feeling. Venus also represents beauty, a quality deep within which every child needs to feel, identify and express.
Encourage Johnny to get in touch with expressions that feel good to his heart! Special talents and creative interests can include a wide range of artistic interests in music, although his favorite may be singing and vocal music. A love of nature’s beauty might inspire creativity with flowers -- from gardening to floral arranging. The sensual qualities of Venus in Taurus can stimulate expressions using clay or the creation of pottery, but painting and drawing might also be enjoyable, and there may be talents in jewelry design. However, Johnny may be a first-class cook, including confection-making.
Venus in the 10th House shows a desire to develop an artistic career, or at least have some public exposure of Johnny’s artistic talents. Approval from family is very important, and pleasing teachers may also be crucial to encouraging his talents. He may also be gifted directing the efforts of others.
It’s quite possible that Johnny will be excessively critical of his own efforts, thus restricting the creative flow and causing feelings of frustration. This can be a manifestation of tension from Venus’ thwarting contact to Saturn. However, there is a powerful drive to develop creativity, and this can indicate that there are simply obstacles to be overcome! Also, there can be a kind of procrastination present, with Johnny waiting until he feels absolutely certain that efforts will meet with approval before expressing them or sharing creations. Creative talents may be overly structured and the spontaneity can be lost or diluted. There can be a fear that he will disappoint someone whose endorsement carries great significance. For this reason, loving guidance and care are exceptionally important.
Johnny can definitely have a unique quality that shows in his creativity. Tastes will be unusual, futuristic, and sometimes strange! The "untried" is fascinating. Applications of technological innovations to art may be strong (such as synthesized music, computer games, electronic art, desktop publishing). Johnny can be creatively innovative, but may not fall "in line" when it comes to art or music class! There can also be trouble concentrating, since spontaneous inspiration may distract Johnny from completing the artistic project at hand. Part of the problem can also be that one form of expression is not "quite right."
To get past purely self-centered awareness, the expansive energy of Jupiter encourages a child too reach out and expand his personal universe. Through Jupiter, Johnny can begin to build a basic philosophy of life, and exercise his sense of hope and vision. The need to reach out and give is Jupiter in action, but so is enthusiasm. Most important, when Johnny is in touch with Jupiter, he is inspired! Here is the desire to grow, to reach into new horizons, to feel adventure and joy. While it may take a lifetime to develop a personal philosophy or explore religious teachings, during childhood, Johnny does feel wonder about universal principles, a Higher Power, and endless questions called, "Why?"
Moral questions flow through the realm of Jupiter, and learning higher principles through inspiring teachers and mentors is another outpouring of this energy. It is generally not until a child has developed some measure of cognitive skill that the awareness of Jupiter can be taught. During elementary school and preteen years, this energy begins to flourish. Jupiter is a function of the higher mind, the part of our consciousness that can connect with the Divine. The early awareness of Jupiter deals primarily with the concepts of sharing, positive thinking, enthusiasm and hope for reward.
Even from an early age, Johnny may have a strong interest in understanding moral values. With Jupiter in the 9th House, Johnny may be interested in religion and philosophy, and will love allegorical tales which drive home the meanings of universal Truths. Exploring other cultures can be an excellent way for him to learn the value of tolerance. He will have a strong appreciation for teachers who walk their talk.
Then, there is the world of dreams and imagination. Neptune’s placement in the chart indicates the areas where a child dreams most easily. The sensitivity Neptune adds to life allows Johnny to connect with the spiritual, nonphysical realm. What child is not a master at make-believe? But this energy is also an expression of Divine Compassion, and it needs special support and nourishment during childhood. Encouraging Johnny to trust his dreams, while identifying the difference between the "real" and "imaginary" world can be quite a job. But it is a very important one, since walking between the inner world and the outside world requires special awareness. There is nothing inferior about imagination, nor is there anything wrong with beliefs, since there are many expressions of reality.
Another feature of this energy is the expression of charity. A child taught to give to others less fortunate is definitely a blessed child!
Because Neptune moves very slowly, it is another of the generation-focused planets. Other children Johnny’s age will likely have Neptune in the same sign. Johnny was born when Neptune was in Scorpio (1957-1970), and is part of a generation focused on uncovering the mysteries of human psychology. Neptune’s expression of spirituality resonates through profound emotional issues, including a deep need to understand the ultimate challenges of life -- including birth, healing and death. Human sexuality and its many forms of expression is also a significant element for this generation, and the relationship between sexuality, spirituality and creative expression is powerfully linked. In addition, this generation may feel charged with the task of erasing old prejudices.
Neptune’s placement in the chart shows the areas where a child can easily dream. This also provides indicators of the facet’s of life where Johnny can feel a desire to let go or to exercise compassion toward others. The placement of Neptune in the 4th House is perfect for a child who wants to spend time in the backyard playhouse or fort. Johnny will love to emulate the activities of the family, since this stimulates creativity, and family holiday traditions can provide him with an excellent forum for exercising talents.
Perceptions of the Parents
Guess what? You can tell how Johnny is likely to see his parents by looking at his own chart! Understanding how Johnny perceives Mom and Dad can be especially helpful, since what Johnny hopes to see and needs to experience from parents forms the basis of his sense of Self.
When Johnny feels happy and full of joy, the world looks bright, too. But if Johnny is physically or emotionally low, his behavior and responsiveness suffer. In relationships with others, children and adults alike will project their feelings and perceptions onto other people. Johnny needs to experience himself through projecting his needs onto the people in his personal environment. In fact, the undeveloped Aspects of the Self are usually projected onto others as a means of "seeing" these feelings or needs manifested in some way. Projection is a key factor in human psychology.
In many instances, the other people are reasonable targets for those projections, especially if their connections are bound by emotions or other commitments. A child looks to Mother as the person who will reflect the nurturing feminine needs. Mother represents the inner feminine self for boys and girls alike. Johnny may even see things in Mother that Mother does not recognize as the way she is!
Johnny’s Moon sign shows how he perceives Mother. It makes no difference whether Mother sees herself in this light or not -- the child holds these particular perceptions what Mother needs to be because he is projecting his own inner needs for security onto her. As Johnny matures into adulthood, these perceptions determine how Johnny will play the nurturing and mothering role toward others.
Through Johnny’s eyes, Mother is serious and reliable, since the Moon in Capricorn projects qualities of structure onto Mother. Mother represents control, organization, determination and persistence -- the things Johnny needs to feel secure. There can be a strong respect for Mother.
Since Johnny’s Moon is stimulated by a dynamic connection to Jupiter, Mother’s encouragement is definitely needed. However, expectations can be a problem. Mother can help him by making a special effort to define expectations when they do exist. Johnny may feel that satisfying Mother is difficult, and might tend to stretch the truth in order to appear better or more acceptable.
Through the harmonious contact between Moon and Neptune, Johnny may have the feeling that Mother is a source of spiritual and mystical power. In some instances, Mother may personify a kind of perfect ideal, especially in the sense of "goddess-like" qualities. The intuitive connection with Mother may also be quite profound and special to Johnny.
The Sun, the primary masculine energy in the chart, is also described as a person’s sense of "self". A young child has a very limited true sense of self, and is not likely to "own" these qualities until the preteen years or later. This sense of individuality may be strongly tied to the initial relationship with Father and, later, to interactions with other significant male figures. In early childhood development, Johnny’s Sun does not express fully as an individual ego. The Sun powerfully affects the child’s perceptions of Father; if the father is supportive and consistent, Johnny may feel that his or her own individuality is reliable and strong. Johnny’s perceptions of Father are strongly symbolized by the energy of the Sun in the astrological chart.
The qualities of intelligence, flexibility and connection are projected onto Father, since Johnny projects the strength of the Gemini Sun until he can own these things for himself. Time spent sharing ideas with Dad is truly special for Johnny.
Through the Sun in the 11th House, Johnny is likely to be drawn to the idea of Father as a good friend, and may experience the greatest encouragement when Father gives his stamp of approval to his hopes and plans.
Father is seen as the great provider, since the connection between Sun and Jupiter is likely to be projected as a kind of "Santa Claus" image. If for any reason Johnny’s Dad provides many material things to compensate for lost time, this can become problematic. Father may be viewed as optimistic or enthusiastic, and Johnny will look to Father to provide inspiration and praise for his achievements.
Through the supportive energies between the Sun and Saturn, Johnny may find that Father is an excellent source of strength and security. There can be a very close relationship to Father, although there is a strong desire to be sure that Father approves of everything. This can be somewhat inhibiting, and Johnny may also allow Father’s wishes to overshadow his own desires since this approval seems so important.
Through the connections between the Sun and Uranus, Johnny is likely to perceive that he has an exceptional father. Or, Johnny may see the father as too aloof, leading to feelings that Dad is unreliable or undependable. Dad may be rather eccentric, but he could also just be highly independent. Remember: this is the potential perception Johnny has of Father! It’s possible that Johnny sees the father as a model so unique that he could never fit into it. It’s also likely that he sees the father as living beyond the limitations and structures of society, offering a different viewpoint of life from the "norm." When given an opportunity to prove his own uniqueness to Father, Johnny will require positive reinforcement for his talents and abilities if he is to feel confidence in his individuality.
The contact between the Sun and Neptune can suggest problems in a child’s perception of Father, since Dad can be over-idealized; he may even have disappeared. Johnny may see only an illusion of Father. This can produce problems in Johnny’s own perception of Self later on, since the role model is viewed through rose-colored glasses. Johnny may also expect the father to be rather saintly, and can be disappointed when Daddy turns out to be human! For this reason, it’s crucial that Johnny has a realistic and close contact with Father. While Father’s sharing of his spirituality and creativity with Johnny can be especially positive reinforcement, he also needs to show his humanity. Ultimately, it may also be helpful if Johnny has a male mentor who may be easier to identify than Dad. This does not mean that another male needs to come into Johnny’s life to take over the role of the father, but that this could be a very positive compliment to the child’s development. Johnny needs a reason to have a male to idealize. That’s quite a tall order for Father, but many men are definitely up to the task!
Then, there is a need for solidity, structure and safety -- and most children look to parents to establish this for them. A child is not capable of understanding the ways of the world, but will learn about them eventually. Nor does a child understand the need for limits. It’s up to parents and teachers to set these limits and expose a child to the rules of life. These rules, tests and structures are identified by the energy of Saturn.
There can be a downside, since Saturn energy feels judgmental and limiting much of the time, especially in childhood. Many children are anything but delighted at the prospect of being "responsible" -- that’s what adults are supposed to be, not kids!
The placement of Saturn not only symbolizes the parents, but also authority in society. Saturn does not necessarily represent one parent or another. Here is discipline, structure, and stability. This is also tradition. For the better part, what Saturn symbolizes is the story of how Johnny needs to be stabilized and what he requires in terms of a sense of safety and security.
With Saturn in Aquarius, Johnny may grow up in situations which defy traditional concepts, learning to accept and feel that this is normal and right. However, regardless of the family values Johnny learns, he will be likely to feel most stable when he has plenty of room to explore individuality within a framework of personal responsibility. Johnny needs parents who are comfortable standing up for humanitarian ideals.
Saturn in the 7th House represents the need to learn how to honor promises. Johnny will look to the parents to see how they deal with commitments. Of course, promises made to him will be important indicators. However, Johnny will also pay attention to the way parents keep their obligations in society.
